Choosing the right career path can be challenging for anyone, although those who join military forces tend to have this heroic ambition inherently. Even so, not everyone that wants to be a Marine makes the cut. Because the skills and abilities of a Marine include heightened physical fitness, unarmed and armed combat, tactics, and several others, this career path is not for the faint of heart in the slightest.
The Marine Corps is an iconic brotherhood with an extensive rich history.
Moreover, they are formed by women and men much like yourself. Although, no member woke up one day and simply decided to join the Marine Corps that day.
On the contrary, a lot of preparation goes into the process of joining this military force. You will need to be sure that this is the right career path. It’s essential to know what you can expect, how to train, and how to prepare mentally for the journey that lies ahead.
Beyond getting your uniform and USMC flak patch, you’ll also need to prep for a physical fitness test and endure boot camp. So, we’ve rounded up some valuable advice and preparation tips for the rough and rewarding times ahead.
Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Test
To gain entry into the Marine Corps, you will need a minimum score of 31 on the ASVAB test. Even though your recruiter might find a way to waver a lower score, it’s best to prepare for this test so that finding alternative solutions is not necessary. Moreover, preparation for this test is relatively straightforward, so there’s hardly a reason to score low.
You can find ASVAB test prep books at most bookstores, or you can order one online. It’s worth investing in this book as it will give you insight into what’s in the test. You’ll also find valuable advice on taking the test while practice tests are included.
It’s essential to do at least three to five practice tests while noting your mistakes and studying for improvements each time you retake the practice version. It’s necessary to study for this test; otherwise, a low score will slow the process of joining the Marine Corps.
Physical Test Preparation
Physical fitness is essential when joining any military force; the Marine Corps is no different. Ideally, you should already be doing sit-ups, pull-ups, and push-ups. What’s more, you can easily find numerous articles about preparing for the physical fitness test online that will cover all the details.
But for now, it’s vital to know the minimum requirements so you can determine your goal, even though it’s wise to strive for a perfect score. If you can manage 18 miles, 20 pull-ups, and 100 sit-ups in just 18 minutes, you’ll pass your physical fitness test.
But with this, it’s typically best to devote yourself to a Marine Corps physical training program that will guide your workouts for maximum results.
Nevertheless, most Marine Corps don’t battle much with the physical fitness test boot camp, but rather elements like sand pit drills and keeping up with constant marches and runs. So, even though you might feel the PFT is a breeze, you must still train to successfully get through the entire boot camp experience.
Height And Weight Requirements
It’s pretty imperative to meet particular height and weight requirements when entering the Marine Corps. You can check the USMC weight charts for these details.
But with that said, if you’re wondering what it means for you if you are a bit on the heavier side, you must prepare for smaller portions and remedial physical training during the boot camp. Unfortunately, there is no alternative solution when it comes to weight standards for the Marine Corps as members need to be in peak physical condition.
Martial Arts Training
In addition to the above, you will also need to prepare for the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program. With this, it’s ideal to sign up for either kick-boxing or Jiu-jitsu classes, as these are pretty similar to the MCMAP training. Nevertheless, you should join these classes simply for preparation as the Marine Corps course is still unique. So, you don’t need to achieve the highest ranking as a martial arts expert before joining the Marine Corps.
Preparing For The Culture Shock
Regardless of how much you prepare yourself mentally, you will probably still experience some level of culture shock as you join the Marine Corps. This is even more accurate when joining a military force straight after completing high school.
A culture shock is pretty typical for the new Marine Corps because the lifestyle is entirely different from regular life. Your everyday routine won’t just change drastically, but it will also become rigorous; there is no excuse for tardiness in the Marine Corps.
Research As Much As Possible
The more that you know about what to expect from the experience, the easier it will be to adjust to your new life in the Marine Corps. And the best way to uncover information is to research as much as possible.
With the internet freely available, you have ample resources right at your fingertips.
But beyond researching what to expect, it’s also worthwhile to chat with other Marine Corps. Access to personal experiences is invaluable in just about every situation. So, find social media groups and community forums that are relevant while doing your research.
If you have decided to join the Marine Corps, you will need to devote yourself to preparing for the journey. There is no doubt that you will need to persevere and show endurance, but this is all part of the end reward. Furthermore, once you make it through boot camp and start your career as a Marine, you should also know what to expect in terms of job role responsibilities. The life of a Marine is exceptionally different from that of a corporate professional or any other sort of working-class expert, so it’s critical to know what to expect from every step of your journey.
